Gary McSheffrey says Marvin Sordell has to play a more central role if Coventry City want to get more goals this season.

The Sky Blues legend admits he was surprised by Mark Venus’s team selection iin Saturday's 1-0 defeat against Scunthorpe, believing he got the forward line the wrong way round in terms of who started and ended the game.

McSheffrey, who is currently recovering from a long-term knee injury that he suffered against City while playing for Scunthorpe last February, resulting in him requiring surgery in the summer, was at the Ricoh Arena on Saturday as a radio pundit.

“They could have done with them dropping to a striker. But in saying that I didn’t really know who was playing up front for Coventry.

Strange

“It was a strange formation. I’d have liked to have seen Sordell played down the middle from the start because I think he’s the biggest threat in the team and how they finished the game, the four attackers that ended the game should have started the game and see how it goes.”

Marvin Sordell and Conor Townsend

Ruben Lameiras, Jodi Jones and Kyel Reid ended the game for City after replacing Dan Agyei, Andre Wright and Andy Rose in the 55th, 64th and 73rd minutes respectively in the second half.

“I think Coventry were huffing and puffing,” said life-long City fan McSheffrey, who had two seasons with the Iron before joining Rovers on a permanent deal last summer.

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“Paddy Madden had three good chances in the game which he’ll be disappointed not to have scored from, and Tom Hopper had a good chance at the end.

Dominated

“Coventry dominated the game towards the last 20 minutes of the first half but then once Scunthorpe got in front I thought they managed the game really well. Their experience shone through with midfielders Stephen Dawson and Neil Bishop buying fouls and taking control of the game and running the clock down.

“I think that’s the big difference, that Scunthorpe have got that end product with Josh Morris, Madden will get his goals, Hopper put a good shift in up front and they have got that experience. Their defenders defend, first and foremost, and I personally think they deserved the win in the end.

Jodi Jones and Richie Smallwood

“Coventry had a few good chances but seemed to fall to the wrong player. But it was a good game at this level and I think Scunthorpe’s experience and quality just shone through in the end, and they’re top of the league for a reason.”

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He added: “Coventry had a good go and they can take confidence from doing that against the league leaders. It’s just that one bit of end product that was the difference.

“Both teams could have scored more if they’d have been a bit more ruthless but Scunthorpe have got that bit more consistency in their killer instinct to finishing and scoring, and with their deliveries. And with Coventry, you’re not sure what you’re going to get in the final third.

“The build-up is quite good but I just can’t really see an end product on a consistent level.”